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23
Grace
It was the week from Hell.
Professionally, it had turned into one of the most challenging ones I'd encountered so far. While the fundraiser, my biggest project, was plugging along nicely, an anniversary celebration I'd been hired to plan was turning into a nightmare. It was supposed to be a small affair of about fifty people. Now it was up to over a hundred, which meant finding a new venue and updating the caterers and other suppliers. And the hostess? She was turning into whatever the equivalent of Bridezilla for anniversary parties would be. She was the only daughter of the couple who'd been married for forty years, and I swore she must have been potty-trained at gunpoint. I wasn't sure why she'd hired me when she appeared intent on being part of every single detail.
On top of it, I had an influx of calls from potential new clients who wanted to set up meetings. I stayed long hours at my office and still brought work home with me. While Jade was assisting me with the fundraiser, I had to admit I was burning the candle at both ends to keep up with everything else.
Worst of all, it interfered with my time with Jax. I knew as a businessman, Jax understood the longer than usual work hours I'd had to put in this week, including yesterday, one of many Saturdays I had to oversee all the moving parts to an event. He seemed excited for me that my business was taking off to new levels. He'd supported me by bringing takeout meals to my apartment and working quietly next to me on his computer. Despite the workload, however, we always spent the last couple of hours before he went home snuggling with some heavy making out thrown in.
While I was thrilled to see my business and reputation grow, the timing was hard. I couldn't shake the concern that our new relationship status was somewhat tenuous. He was trying to have a real one for the first time, and I worried I was balancing on a delicate limb that could snap at any time. While I didn't believe that we needed to spend every free minute together, I wished we had more time to spend getting to know each other outside of favorite fast food places and our favorite position to sit while working. I wanted to know our relationship was built on more than just physical attraction, although I was even questioning that.
Ever since that night he took me to his condo, I'd been close to throwing out any rules I had about several dates before sex, which for me was the physical manifestation of a commitment. I wanted him, no question. But Jax hadn't once touched me the way he had that first night at his apartment; kissing seemed to be the limit. While I appreciated he didn't push me for more than I was ready for, I was a little confused what had changed. What if he didn't want me anymore but didn't know how to tell me?
My father always told my sisters and me that we could make overthinking an Olympic Sport and tie for the gold medal. I preferred to think of it as analyzing so I could be prepared for any event. But perhaps, I did make myself a little crazy in doing so.
On top of everything, today I was feeling sluggish and an unwelcome, but familiar, crampiness had started to make itself known. I'd thought about calling Shane and having him take over for me at the youth center, but despite his enthusiastic support for the carnival, he was overwhelmed with plans for the new building, applying for grants, and the other million things it took to keep the center running. At least today there would be some extra parent volunteers.
Squaring my shoulders and sucking in a deep breath hoping it inflated my patience level as I stepped back out of Shane’s office. I was immediately immersed in a blur of colors and noise.
"Did you see this, Grace!"
"Look here! This is so cool!"
"Can I keep this for myself, Ms. Grace?"
"Grace, come here! Look at this!"
Donations for prizes for the carnival games had arrived all week, and I asked the kids to open the boxes while I made a call. Today, we were supposed to sort them, but at the moment, it looked like a toy store had exploded across the tables and floors.
"I'll be there in a second," I promised. Normally, I loved their enthusiasm. Today, it felt like nails scraping down a chalkboard. I found some pain reliever in my purse and swallowed them with some water out of the water fountain. I cringed when warm water filled my mouth. These kids definitely deserved better facilities.
A couple of the boys started throwing small stuffed animals at each other. "Enough," I said sharply. "You're here to organize them. There's no point to this if you destroy everything we've worked for by goofing off."
They looked at me with hurt, puzzled expressions, but put the toys back without arguing. I puffed out my cheeks and blew out a long breath. They were just being kids.
Trying to fake better humor than I felt, I divided the kids into groups and gave them specific tasks to organize, box up, and label prizes and game pieces. I stayed busy for the next hour supervising and answering questions. Over the chatter, I heard the chimes on the door ring as it opened. I hoped it was Shane, who'd phoned earlier and said he was running late. I was anxious for him to get here. The parent helpers were doing a decent job overseeing the kids, and we were far enough along that I decided I wouldn't feel bad turning the tasks over to him. The medicine I'd taken wasn't working as I'd hoped, and I needed something stronger from home.
Before I could look to see, I heard Micah call, "Jax! Over here!"
Stunned, I looked up to see Jax walking toward us, a big grin on his face. He high-fived Micah and a couple of other kids and then turned toward me.
"What are you doing here?" I smiled, more than pleased to see him.
Jax grinned. "I thought I'd see if I could help." He tapped my nose. "This time without being tricked."
"I'm glad you're here."
His smile dissolved into a frown. "Are you okay? You look a little pale." He tucked a piece of my hair that had come undone from my ponytail behind my ear. It was all I could do not to rub against his fingers as they lingered on my cheek.
"Just a headache."
"Did you take something?"
I nodded. "It hasn't kicked in, yet."
He glanced around at the kids who seemed to be sillier than usual. "What can I do?"
